Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the differential (65 reports), the transfer case (45 reports), the driveshaft (10 reports) and the CV joint or axle (10 reports).

Recalls and investigations

4 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2019 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

All 11 recalls on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, with the owner complaints on each recalled system

NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Cherokee

None of these investigations covers the 2019 model year.

What owners paid

26 of the 113 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $2,000 to $6,000.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 50,000 and 96,000 miles, from the 44 reports that gave a mileage.

What owners wrote

“Has been in shop since I have owed it replaced axles (rear) rear differential(1 time), and transfer case(3 times) still slipping and dragging at take off and speed over 55 grinding and bumping sounds , mechanics can’t figure it out no lights on dash and diagonist still shows rear differential and transfer case”

Filed Jul 16, 2026

“The vehicle is a 2019 Jeep Cherokee with approximately 70,000 miles on it. Check 4WD light came on. Took it to a Jeep dealer who said that it is a problem with the rear differential and would cost $6,000 to repair. Vehicle's VIN is not included in the PTU recall which has affected other 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokees.”

Filed Oct 29, 2025 · 70,000 miles

“Rear differential cracked at approximately 53,000 miles. The gear oil began leaking profusely. There were no warning lights so if I had continued to drive it, the rear could have locked up. My local shop (fox run automotive in Bear, Delaware) cannot find new dealer parts. A used differential sourced from a lot will be used at a cost of $3,400 to me.”

Filed Jan 27, 2025 · 53,000 miles

“Rear differential cracked and ring falling off. It was noticed when vehicle was receiving a wheel alignment. My safety was put at risk because if ring fell off while driving my car would not move. Issue was confirmed by Goodyear and Burritt Motor Jeep dealer. Differential was replaced today 4/4/24. Was told by both establishments that this is an issue with the vehicles and have repaired several.”

Filed Apr 4, 2024

Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works

Other problems on this car

• Engine stalls or loses power while driving 471 reports
• Service 4WD light or power transfer unit (PTU) failure 437 reports
• Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 142 reports
• Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 122 reports
• Battery dies or the car will not start 108 reports
• Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 107 reports
• Check engine light or misfire 66 reports
• Multiple warning lights come on at once 58 reports
• Burns oil or oil level rises 45 reports
• Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 43 reports
• Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 42 reports
• Airbag warning light or recall 42 reports
• A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 35 reports
• Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 31 reports
• Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 28 reports
• Auto start-stop will not restart the engine 27 reports
• Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 25 reports